Increase Text Size | Decrease Text Size

FINANCE & GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE MINUTES

9th October 2006

PRESENT:

• Cllr R Morgan (Chairman)
• Cllrs J Meakin
• Mrs Partridge-Hogbin
• J Pigott
• J Seward

In Attendance

Cllr L Garner

APOLOGIES:

Cllrs J Knight, R Farlow, R Parry, Mrs Jones, W Buskin, P Burrows

280/06 APOLOGIES

Apologies were accepted.

281/06DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr Meakin declared a personal interest in agenda item 13a, Boules Pitch at Cliff Field Gardens, being an adjoining resident.

Cllr Garner declared that he was not a member of this committee and would therefore not vote on any matters.

282/06MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11th September 2006 were approved and signed by the Chairman.

283/06TO NOTE AND APPROVE THE MONTHLY SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

The monthly schedule of payments was noted and approved.

284/06TO NOTE BUDGET AND BANK BALANCES TO DATE

The budget and bank balances to date were noted.

The Clerk was requested to establish whether it would be beneficial to close the Council’s business account.

285/06TO CONSIDER ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN 2007/8 BUDGET

The Clerk advised that the first draft budget for 2007/8 would be produced for the next meeting. Members asked for provision to be made for the following items:

1. Completion of enhancement of the Square
2. Part-time Handyman
3. Provision for costs related to Town Hall
4. Citizen of Year
5. Marketing assistance
6. Town improvements
7. Visitor Centre

286/06TO RECEIVE UP TO DATE DETAILS OF PROPOSALS FOR THE SQUARE ENHANCEMENT

The Clerk had circulated details of the budget to date, together with costings for works previously agreed.

It was Resolved that the tree and hexagonal seat be ordered at a cost of £496 and £1890 respectively; quotations for paving and related works to be confirmed.

It was agreed that further enhancements should be to replace the bollards, the waste bins and the wavy benches. The Clerk was requested to obtain costs of new bins and bollards for the next meeting

287/06TO CONSIDER PROPOSALS FOR MANAGEMENT OF TOWN HALL

It was agreed that in order to progress discussions on the possible involvement of the Town Council in the management of the Town Hall, a Working Party should be set up, comprising Cllrs Morgan, Meakin, Garner, Pigott, Seward, Knight and Mrs Partridge-Hogbin. The first meeting was arranged for Monday 16th October at 7.00 pm.

288/06TO CONSIDER RESPONSE TO EDDC PRIORITISATION FOR 2007/8

The Clerk was requested to respond by stating the it was considered that there were excessive internal priorities, most of which were necessary functions of the District Council, and that there should be more external functions. The benefits to Seaton of the internal functions were unclear, and the Clerk was requested to seek clarification. It was agreed that the following activities should be added to EDDC’s priority list:

1. Completion of the Wessex cycle route
2. Tourism
3. Youth facilities
4. Affordable housing should be stated as 40%

289/06TO CONSIDER QUOTATION FOR P24 IMPROVEMENTS

Quotations had been received for making the steps from St. Gregorys churchyard accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. The quotes, however, were above the current budget. It was agreed, however, that this work should be undertaken, if possible during the current financial year, and this matter would therefore be discussed again at the meeting in January when unspent money may be available from the maintenance budget.

290/06TO CONSIDER RESPONSE TO SOUTH WESTERN RAIL FRANCHISE

It was agreed that the Council should respond by supporting the proposed rail improvements to provide an hourly service to and from London, but that in addition, sufficient loops should be installed to provide a 30 minute service between Axminster and Exeter, a benefit being improved usage.

291/06TO RECEIVE UPDATE ON STATUS OF LOOK OUT, WEST WALK

The Clerk advised that there was not a preservation order on this structure. A Structural Engineer has inspected it and stated that it could be largely dismantled but the floor and back wall would need to be retained.

It was suggested that this might be an appropriate site for a piece of public art which the Seaton Gateway Town Group may be able to consider. It was agreed initially, however, to accept EDDC’s offer to dismantle and then consider its use again.

292/06CORRESPONDENCE

a) Seaton Twinning Association – Boules Pitch at Cliff Field Gardens

Members were unanimously supportive of the proposal of a boules pitch to be installed at Cliff Field Gardens and the Clerk was requested to obtain permission from EDDC.

b) Offwell Environment Link – invitation to 10th annual lecture

Noted.

c) Ring & Ride – Request for Grant

The Clerk was requested to establish whether this service was used by Seaton residents and if it was, how often.

d) Mr Palacio – Scalwell Lane Highway Issues

It was agreed that the road issues should be passed to the Traffic Group and the issues of safety should continue to be pursued through EDDC.

e) EDDC Countryside Services – East Devon Wildlife Conference

Noted.

The Meeting closed at 9.00 pm

Top of page

Archived Copies of Minutes

Copies of all Minutes of all the Council's meetings are held in the Council Office and copies are sent to Seaton Library once they have been signed by the chairman as a true record of proceedings at the subsequent meeting.